Carol Felder, third from left, receives check for Cornerstone at the Clermont HOG’s Hospice Ride for Angels.

More than two hundred members of the Clermont Harley Owners Group revved their engines for the Mike Conley Hospice House in Clermont recently at the eighth annual "Hospice Ride For Angels."

Tallies just in from the June poker run and fundraiser show that together, they raised $26,214. And according to Event Chairman Nick Halloran, this year's total surpassed the $150,000 mark as far as money raised by HOG for Hospice since the event was started in 2004.

"Most of us have been touched by Hospice in one way or another, whether it's a family member, friend or co-worker, so knowing we can do something good to benefit a multitude of people here in our own community, makes us feel really good," Halloran said.

Halloran has been involved with the fundraiser since its inception.

He said he is thrilled to know that the money raised has helped with the expansion and operation of the Mike Conley Hospice House, built in Clermont in October, 2007.

He said at first, the club was simply looking for a charity to raise money for through HOG, but over the years, that association has become a lasting partnership.

"That's part of what's really inspired us," he said.

Nick Buchholz, the executive director for the nonprofit Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, said the foundation also feels inspired in return.

"We feel very blessed to have the support of this wonderful group. Their hard work and dedication to the Hospice cause truly makes a difference in our community, and we appreciate each participant," Buchholz said.

Hospice Regional Development Director Carol Felder said she is impressed by the tremendous support the event received from local businesses and organizations, such as Stormy Hill Harley Davidson, Carroll Fulmer Trucking, Joe Farro, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Donut King, Mimi's Cafe, Westgate Resorts, Best Buy in the Winter Garden Village.

"That also goes for the dozens of other individuals and businesses who donated valuable auction items and prizes," she said.

After the 65-mile ride through Lake County, the riders met at Minneola City Hall for lunch provided by Dewey Isbell and his "Outbackers" from the Outback Steakhouse in Clermont

"They arrived on a hot Sunday morning to set up, cook and serve the delicious food complete with the brightest smiles and happiest attitudes," Halloran said.

FAST FACTS:

The Mike Conley Hospice House, 2100 Oakley Seaver Blvd., is named for a man whose adult life was dedicated to good works throughout the South Lake County community. He served on the South Lake Hospital District Board, and was a founding member and officer of the South Lake Community Foundation. In addition, Conley was elected to the Clermont City Council, was a trustee and officer of Sumter Electric Cooperative, served on the Lake County Development Council, and was chairman of the board of trustees of First United Methodist Church in Clermont. He died of cancer in 2002 at age 61.